A 'strong supporter of Trump' is a legendary fighter in the U.S. A big twist, an underdog evaluation → 'Hotstick combination' thrilling KO win. "All I want is..."

*This content was translated by AI.

It's a spectacular return. Sean Strickland (35) completely overpowered Anthony Hernandez (33, USA) and began his run toward the middleweight title with a cool KO victory in two years.

Strickland won the TKO in 2:33 of the third round against Hernandez in the middleweight match of the 'UFC Fight Night' main event in Houston, Texas on the 22nd (Korea time).

The win gave Strickland its 30th-7th record. After losing the title match against Dricus Du Plessis in February last year, he won a thrilling victory in about a year.

It is a twist. Strickland received an underdog evaluation against Hernandez (15 wins and 3 losses), who had won eight consecutive games despite being ranked third in the middleweight division.

However, as the game began, Strickland cut Hernandez's flow with his unique jab and elaborate footwork. Strickland, who hit his opponent's torso with a knee kick midway through the third round, finished the game with a body punch and an uppercut combination that followed.

According to the U.S. media "ESPN," Strickland said in an interview after the game, "There was a war of words during the weigh-in, but after the game, I also think Mexican blood is flowing. It was a really great war," he said, praising his opponent.

Hernandez is a true man, he continued. Actually, he's the guy I want to be. Hernandez, the breadwinner of a family, is a much better person than I hope," he said, honoring the loser.

Strickland, who gained momentum, aimed right at reigning champion Hamzat Chimaev. According to ESPN, Strickland said, "If Chimaev gets up on the bench, I'd like to play against him. No one knows when the friend will return, but that's all I want," he said, clarifying his intention to challenge for the title.

It was also a landslide victory for Strickland in the record. Strickland led 92-62 in total number of hits, according to "UFC Stat." Even Hernandez's only takedown attempt was perfectly defended. Strickland showed off his robustness by shaking off difficulties during his hiatus, including the fact that he played with a shoulder injury last year and the suspension he received from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

On the other hand, Hernandez, whose eight-game winning streak has been suspended since February 2021, swallowed the disappointment. According to ESPN, Hernandez said, "I didn't think the flow of the game was bad, but it collapsed by allowing a knee kick in the middle. That's okay. I'll prepare again and come back stronger. Didn't everyone see how much I've improved since my last loss?" he said, strengthening his will to make a comeback.

Meanwhile, Sean Strickland has a reputation as a strong supporter of President Donald Trump outside the Octagon. According to the US media 'Fox News', Strickland has previously expressed strong support for President Trump. In fact, Strickland drew a lot of attention by expressing his public support for President Trump, who visited the scene shortly after his victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June 2024.

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*This content was translated by AI.